Ekiben

Ekiben, the charming bento box meals from Japan, possess a unique allure. Available on trains and at train stations, these meals usually come with disposable chopsticks or spoons. The containers can be made from plastic, wood, or even ceramic. Certain train stations have attained fame for their ekiben, which often showcase local culinary specialties.

The history of ekiben dates back to the late 19th century when they were first sold at railway stations to provide sustenance for long train journeys. Ekiben gained significant popularity in the 1980s. However, with the advent of air travel and faster trains, their sales declined. Nonetheless, a variety of ekiben can still be found at station stands, on platforms, and even on the trains themselves. Some varieties come in distinctive containers that travelers often keep as souvenirs.

The term "ekiben" is derived from "eki" (railway station) and "ben" (short for bento). This tradition evolved from travelers either preparing their own meals or purchasing wooden bento boxes from tea houses. The first recorded sale of ekiben is believed to have occurred at Utsunomiya Station in 1885. These boxed meals quickly disseminated to other stations, starting with simple fare and eventually incorporating local specialties from each region.

Ekiben are not only popular in Japan; they have also made their way to other parts of East Asia, such as Taiwan. Today, ekiben can be found beyond railway stations, in places like department stores and airports. There are even annual ekiben fairs held in various locations. Ekiben generally fall into two categories: makunouchi-bento, which is a standard offering across Japan including items like rice, grilled fish, fish cakes, and pickles; and regional ekiben that highlight local dishes.